APEX - Rock Sliders / Side Steps - 144 - Regular - Steel

APEX Series Rock Sliders: The Ultimate Protection for Your Sprinter Van

Upgrade your Mercedes Sprinter with the APEX Series Rock Sliders, engineered to solve the toughest challenges Sprinter owners face. Designed with both functionality and style in mind, these rock sliders provide essential protection while enhancing your van’s appearance and usability, especially during off-road adventures.

• Off-Road Protection
• Handcrafted in Alberta, Canada
• Maximize Ground Clearance
• Stylish and Functional
• 2WD and AWD Compatible

Need your sliders installed? Not a problem, our experienced technician will be happy to help you! Add installation option below. 

Why Rock Sliders?

What is a Rock Slider?

Rock sliders are reinforced metal bars or panels mounted along the sides of off-road vehicles to protect the underbody from damage caused by rocks, stumps, or other obstacles on challenging terrain. They also distribute weight and, in some cases, can be used as a step or support for jacking up the vehicle during recovery.

For Sprinter vans, with their unibody construction, welding traditional rock sliders directly onto the frame isn’t feasible. That’s why we designed the APEX Series to offer superior rocker panel protection from side impacts while ensuring they are practical and reliable for everyday use.

Considerations for Lifting and Recovery

While the APEX Series Rock Sliders are excellent for side impact protection, it’s important to note that they are not designed to bear the full weight of a 8,000-10,000 lb van when using a Hi-Lift jack. For safe lifting, we recommend using a Hi-Lift LM-100 Lift-Mate, which allows you to lift the van directly from the wheel. While we’ve successfully lifted our vans from the inner square tube, this method tests the limits of the Hi-Lift XT485 X-TREME Jack (rated for 4,500 lbs). For safer recovery, we recommend using a 12,000 lb winch or traction boards like Maxtrax or Action Trax. When replacing a damaged tire, a Mercedes bottle jack is the safest option.

With the APEX Series Rock Sliders, you get a premium, corrosion-resistant solution for side-impact protection and off-road adventures. Engineered for durability and designed to protect your van, these rock sliders are the perfect companion for your Sprinter, ensuring long-lasting performance wherever the road (or trail) takes you.

Finally, when you pair them with our IBEX side ladder, the combination is transformative. Together, they redefine your Sprinter's accessibility.

Do I Really Need Rock Sliders on My Van?

Even if you’re not tackling extreme off-road trails, the answer is often yes.

We designed the APEX Series Rock Sliders not just for hardcore overlanders, but for everyday vanlifers and road trippers who understand how vulnerable a long wheelbase van with a tight turning radius can be. You don’t need to be rock crawling to damage your Sprinter’s side panels.

From hidden fire pits and low stumps at campsites to bollards at gas stations or parking lot curbs, real-world hazards can cause serious and expensive damage to your rocker panels. Rock Sliders serve as a first line of defense—keeping your trip on track even if you do make contact with an obstacle.

Back in 2020, when we developed the APEX Rock Slider, our goal was to tackle four key problems faced by all Mercedes Sprinter owners:

1. Stone Damage Protection
   Aggressive tires can throw stones that chip the paint on your Sprinter’s side panels, leading to rust over time. The APEX Series Rock Sliders are designed to protect your van from these harsh elements and preserve its appearance.
2. Rocker Panel Defense
   The Sprinter’s tight turning radius and long wheelbase make it prone to side swipes. Our rock sliders are crafted from durable steel for maximum protection, with an optional all-aluminum version if weight savings are a priority.
3. Proper Lifting Support
   Avoid damaging your rocker panels with improper lifting techniques. The APEX Rock Sliders provide a solid and secure lifting point, preventing costly repairs caused by mishandling during maintenance.
4. Functional & Stylish Side Step
   Not just for protection, these rock sliders double as a convenient side step, making it easier to access your Sprinter while adding a rugged, stylish look. Perfect for those who enjoy camping and frequent vehicle entry.

APEX Series Rock Sliders: Built for Durability, Engineered for Protection

At Backland Expedition Gear, we focus on creating rugged, high-performance products that are designed to last. Our APEX Series Rock Sliders are no exception. Crafted with high-quality stainless steel brackets, these rock sliders provide superior durability and corrosion resistance, even in the harshest off-road conditions. Whether you’re dealing with water, mud, or road salt, the stainless steel ensures your sliders stay strong and secure with minimal maintenance.

Off-Road Adventures

Perfect for Off-Road Adventures

Designed to maximize ground clearance, the APEX Rock Sliders are the top choice for 2WD Sprinters. Tailored to fit every model from 2007 onward, these rock sliders offer unbeatable protection and performance for your Mercedes Sprinter, whether you're on the road or off it.

We believe we’ve exceeded expectations with the APEX Series Rock Sliders. Many have attempted to replicate our design, but none have matched the level of protection and quality we deliver!

Every step is meticulously laser-cut, formed, and welded in Canada, then sandblasted to remove mill scale, ensuring a surface that allows for optimal adhesion. Hard-to-coat areas are carefully inspected and sealed before finishing, then inspected again after coating to maintain the highest quality standards. Each step is either carefully packaged or installed directly at our facility, delivering a product that’s truly built to last.

Engineered to maximize ground clearance for off-road adventures, these are the top choice for 2WD vans. Perfectly tailored for all Mercedes Sprinters, from 2007 to the latest model. Fit, function, and style designed just for your van. Looking for a lower step? Please see our APEX Drop Down Rock Sliders.

Superior Construction for Unmatched Protection

We understand the unique demands of off-road adventures, and our APEX Series Rock Sliders are built to handle them all. Unlike mild steel, stainless steel resists rust, making it the perfect material for brackets exposed to constant elements. Combined with the rugged strength of our rock sliders, the result is a balanced, tough, and reliable design that offers maximum protection for your Sprinter.

INDY Protection

We use INDY Protective Coating for ultimate durability and rust protection. This polyurea-based finish made in Texas and exclusively available in Western Canada ensures a non-slip surface, even when covered with snow, and maintains its fresh, clean look for years. Handcrafted in Canada, every slider undergoes meticulous laser-cutting, welding, and coating to ensure exceptional quality.